Matariki is a special and meaningful time in Aotearoa New Zealand. It marks the Māori New Year, signalled by the rising of the Matariki star cluster (also known as the Pleiades) in the early morning sky.
Matariki is a time to:
Remember those who have passed on,
Celebrate the present with our whānau and community,
And look ahead to the future with hope, planning, and purpose.
Traditionally, Matariki was linked to the harvest. It was a time to gather with others, share food, reflect on the past year, and prepare for the new season ahead. These values continue to be celebrated today throughout the country.
We warmly invite all our school whānau to join us for a special Matariki Breakfast here at school on Thursday 19th June, from 7:30–8:30am.
This event is hosted by our Friends of the School, who are generously organising a shared breakfast for our community. We will come together to enjoy kai (food), reflect on the meaning of Matariki, and celebrate the strength and connection of our school whānau. Some of the kai shared will reflect the traditional harvest foods of Aotearoa.
🥣 Please bring your own mug if you would like a warm drink. 🍞 Food will be shared, but may be limited—so we recommend having a small breakfast at home before arriving.
This is a lovely opportunity to start the day together—nourished in body and spirit—as we honour the themes of remembrance, celebration, and renewal.
Nau mai, haere mai – all are welcome!
The Matariki Public Holiday is on Friday 20th June. School will be closed on this day.
Thank You – Cross Country 2024
A huge thank you to Mrs Vanxay for her outstanding work in organising our school cross country last Friday. The event was well-planned and smoothly run, and we’re so grateful for her leadership. A big shout-out to our teaching team and staff who supported the day—ensuring everything from setting up to cheering on the sidelines went brilliantly. Most importantly, ka pai to all our tamariki! Your hard work, determination, and training really paid off. We were so proud to see everyone giving their best effort—whether running, jogging, or walking—you showed resilience and school spirit. Finally, thank you to all the parents and whānau who came along to support. Your encouragement from the sidelines helped make the day one to remember.
He rā whakahirahira – what a special day!
Enrolments for Younger Siblings – 2026 & 2027
Our school roll is currently full until Term 2, 2026.
If you have younger children due to start school in 2026 or 2027, and they have older siblings already at St. Pius X, please let the office know as soon as possible. This helps us with future planning and ensures a smooth start for your tamariki. Thank you to those families that have already done this.
🎤 St Pius X Karaoke Fundraiser – Saturday 14th June 🎶
Come along for a night of fun, laughter, and community spirit at our Karaoke Fundraiser on Saturday 14th June, from 6:00pm till late at the Glenview Club, 211 Peacockes Road, Fitzroy. Tickets are $10 per person and include one song and nibbles. You can buy tickets at the school office, or simply grab one at the door on the night (cash sales and eftpos at the door). No pressure to perform – just come along, enjoy the music, have a bite to eat, and support our school! There’ll be food and drinks available to purchase, a courtesy shuttle home ($5–$10), and a great chance to catch up and make new connections in our school community. All funds raised go towards a permanent school noticeboard and gazebo. So get your glam on, come dressed as your best diva or rockstar, and help us make this a night to remember!
Ngā mihi nui for being such strong partners in your children’s education. Together, we’re creating a positive and focused environment where every learner can thrive.
Lunch Order Options – Supporting Local!
We have a few great lunch options available during the week:
🥙 Tuesdays & Wednesdays – Kebab Stop You can now order lunches from the Kebab Stop on Urlich Ave. Orders can be placed directly at orders.kebabstop.co.nz and will be delivered to the school office in time for lunch. This is a convenient option for families, and a great way to support a local business! 🍕 Thursday – Pizza Thursday Pizza can be ordered at school on Thursday mornings and is delivered in time for lunch. This is a fundraiser to support end-of-year camps and EOTC activities, so every slice helps. Thank you for supporting our tamariki! 🍔 Friday – Tommo’s Lunches Our regular Tommo’s lunch orders will continue on Fridays as usual.
Ngā mihi nui Erin Clayton (Principal)
Enrolments close on Wednesday 2 July.
2025 CROSS COUNTRY RESULTS
Another fantastic win and amazing play of basketball by the blue beasts- 31/23
Players of the day Pia and Derick!!! Winter Sports Report On Tuesday we sent three football, one hockey and two netball teams to the CIS Winter Tournament. It was a great day with all the teams having fun. In the football the one team managed to get to the semi finals. The hockey team also made it all the way to the final and were unlucky to lose 4-2 in the final. In the netball, both teams learnt a lot about netball and will be better next year for the experience. All the teams were a credit to themselves and the school in their dealings with others. Thanks to Mrs Hayde and Miss Carmargo for looking after the netballers, Mrs Ngamanu for looking after the hockey team and Mr Pike and both Mrs Hendricks and Mrs Brew for looking after the football teams. Also a big thanks is due to the coaches and Mr and Mrs Nelson, Brooklyn Hayde, Tony (Liam’s grandad), Mr Abraham, Mr Shervin, Jency and Mrs Longid for transporting to and from the event.
OUR PEOPLE
Congratulations to our students who received their First Holy Communion and Confirmation!
We are so proud of you for taking this special step in your faith journey. Thank you to the families, parish, and staff who supported our tamariki in preparing for this sacred celebration. 💫🙏
Board of Trustees
What’s happening on your Board of Trustees
Last week the BOT had their regular monthly meeting. Here is a short summary of the decisions they made on your behalf. - received a quote from Xuba to remove the server. - had a discussion about the upcoming BOT elections - Appointed Maree Rutherford as the returning officer.
School Holiday Programmes
Click on the link to check out school holiday programmes
At St Pius X School, fundraising helps us give your children the best learning experience possible. The money raised goes towards extra resources like sports gear, classroom supplies, technology, school trips, and fun events for our tamariki.
In New Zealand, schools receive some money from the government, but not everything is covered. Fundraising helps us provide more opportunities and support for our learners.
We know that many families are new to how schools work in New Zealand. Please know that every little bit of support—whether it’s time, donations, or helping at events—makes a big difference.
Thank you for being part of our school community!
Ngā mihi nui, St Pius X Friends of the School
Karaoke Night 14th June
An event for the Adults to share their love of music and food. Tickets on sale now!!! All money raised goes to help the school with ongoing learning opportunities such as school camp and EOTC at the end of the year. The Friends of the school are also working on identifying projects important to the community.
Matariki Breakfast
An event for the whole family celebrating a truly New Zealand holiday 19/6/25. There will be a selection of Breakfast foods available from 7.30-8.30am on Thursday 19th of June at school. Bring your own cup for a hot drink in the morning. Please be aware you may still need to have breakfast at home and supplement with the Matariki celebration in the morning.
Our local kebab shop is offering lunches, which you pay for and order online for your child. The Lunches are offered Tuesday and Wednesday. The lunches will be delivered to the school and the children can come in at 1.15pm to collect their order. Scan the QR code on the document below. All lunches are $10.00 each.
Signing in and out at the office
Please, please, please, sign your child in if they miss the first bell and out if you are taking them from school early!!!!
and.................
you MUST MUST sign your child out, if you are taking them before 2:30pm. This is all about your child's safety. If we were to have a fire, lockdown etc and you have taken your child and not signed them out, we would be in a situation where we assume they are missing!!
This year, School Board elections are taking place across the country. We encourage you to consider whether you might like to represent our parent community by standing for election to our Board of Trustees.
Further information about the elections, including confirmed dates, will be shared as soon as it becomes available.
The NZTD (travellerdeclaration.govt.nz) is an online system that travellers can use to complete a declaration before they travel into New Zealand. The new digital NZTD was launched in August 2023 and not many people know they can now do it online – replacing the paper card you used to fill out on the plane.
Kia ora e te whānau,
We warmly invite your kura to join us in celebrating Matariki Rising: Southside, a special community event honouring the Māori New Year.
This event is a collaboration with Hamilton City Council, Hamilton Pools, and local kura, featuring whānau-friendly activities, kai, performances, and learning opportunities celebrating Matariki.
We’d love for your tamariki, kaiako, and whānau to attend and enjoy the festivities.
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